“The field was different from the jump, and this is why three-peating is hard.” Becky Hammon reflected after the Game 2 loss in the semifinals, recognizing the uphill battle the Las Vegas Aces faced. With the daunting task of having to win back-to-back-to-back games against the New York Liberty, Hammon knew their chances at a three-peat were slipping. The Aces came out strong in Game 3, delivering a commanding win, but their joy was short-lived as they were eliminated in Game 4. Well, Coach Hammon has now given half-credit to the Liberty while hinting at one of her beliefs about their rivals.

After the heartbreaking elimination, the Aces’ head coach faced the media in the post-game conference, where she acknowledged her team’s defeat and noted it was always going to be challenging to secure consecutive victories against Sandy Brondello’s well-coached squad. “So kudos to them. They have been the best team all year, let’s be real. We needed back-to-back really great games because their sense of urgency was going to be different,” said Hammon.

The Liberty dealt a crushing 76-62 defeat to the Aces in Game 4, sending them home from their own court at Michelob Ultra Arena. While the Aces head coach initially sounded complimentary in her post-game remarks, what followed felt more like a backhanded comment. “You know, so I think their group earned it. They earned an honor. This team was put together to take us out and they did.”

Hammon’s acknowledgment of the Liberty’s victory over the Aces carries a sense of respect, yet it also feels somewhat dismissive of their true championship aspirations. While she appreciates their performances, her comments suggest that their primary focus was not on winning the title but rather on avenging last year’s Finals defeat by taking out the Aces.

New York’s history certainly shows they came into the matchup with a killer mentality against the Aces. They were, after all, the only team to sweep the defending champs during the regular season, and they might have done the same in the playoffs if Hammon’s strategy to trap Sabrina Ionescu hadn’t worked in Game 3. However, after their elimination, Hammon also shared a tough realization—a bitter truth for the next season.

Becky Hammon realizes the Aces’ uncertain future

Becky Hammon took the reins as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces at the close of 2021, and since then, she has guided the team to back-to-back WNBA championships. In just three years, she has solidified the roster, consistently anchoring several key players in the franchise. Beyond her tactical genius, it’s Hammon’s ability to connect with her players that truly stands out—a bond that A’ja Wilson appreciates deeply. “She wants us to be perfect, she wants us this to be the best. And I feel like she instilled it in all of us.”

However, in the post-game press conference, Hammon revealed a concern weighing on her mind. While reflecting on the season, she expressed a sense of sadness about the future. “It’s not going to be the same group probably next year; it just won’t. And I’m sad about that because I really liked that group.” Well, her sadness is completely valid, considering the potential for a tumultuous shift in the Aces’ roster before next season.

The Aces face uncertainty regarding three key players heading into next season. Veteran Alysha Clark and 2024 Sixth Player of the Year Tiffany Hayes will become unrestricted free agents. Kelsey Plum’s return is also uncertain, as she didn’t sign a contract extension like A’ja Wilson and others, despite being a crucial contributor to the team. With the team likely focusing on future prospects, factors like age and high salaries may influence the franchise’s decisions.

Yet, as the Aces look ahead to next season, there’s hope that their pursuit of a three-peat won’t diminish their spirit. Instead, this setback could serve as motivation for them to return even stronger, ready to reclaim their spot at the top.